Adeleke’s Projects Rescue Ife from Global Embarrassment – Ooni’s Chief

The Obalufe of Ile-Ife, Oba Idowu Adediwura, second-in-command to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has lauded Governor Ademola Adeleke for his robust infrastructural interventions in the ancient town.

Speaking on Tuesday during a project inspection tour by officials of the Osun State Government, led by the Director of Highways, Moruf Ojebode, Oba Adediwura said the projects have preserved the town’s cultural heritage and prevented global embarrassment.

He recalled that years of infrastructural neglect had left Ile-Ife in a state that was often shameful to show visiting tourists from across the world. However, the ongoing N14 billion flyover and 17 road projects initiated by Adeleke’s administration have improved accessibility to the town’s cultural landmarks.

Oba Adediwura said, “It would be a great shame for visitors from all over the world to come to the cradle of the Yoruba race and see roads that are barely motorable. Governor Adeleke deserves commendation for saving us from such embarrassment. With these projects, our culture will be promoted, especially as we approach the Olojo Festival in September and the Aje Festival next week.”

Director of Highways, Ojebode, revealed that the N14 billion flyover project is about 80 per cent complete and is expected to be delivered within record time. He also listed completed road projects, including Iredunmi–Oke Ijan, Oriyangi–St John, Manchester–Igboya, Olurin–Omi Okun, Ife City Benediction Road, London Street–Iremo, Ogbingbin–Garage Isale, Agric–Opa Ife, Akinlalu Junction–Akinlalu Town, Magistrate Court–Itamerin Yakooyo, and AP Junction–Itasin Junction, Modakeke.

Other completed projects include Cele Road–Ajape Junction, Modakeke; RCM Road One, Alafia Ifetedo; Moore Babaakodi; and Osun State University Road, while work continues on Edunabon–Tonkere and Ayedaade roads.

Oba Adediwura concluded that the projects would not only enhance mobility but also bring honour to Ile-Ife as the historical origin of the Yoruba race.